November's FCC Agenda to Largely Orbit Around Space Topics

After approving earth station in motion rules in September (see 1809260029), the agency will look at expanding ESIM rules to include communications non-geostationary orbit satellites, as the agency had signaled (see 1810180021). That "would unlock new uses of satellites, ensuring that those who need broadband on-the-go can access the technology that best meets their needs," Pai said.

With orbital debris concerns growing due from the deployments of cubesats and other small, cheap satellites, the FCC is looking at a comprehensive review of orbital debris rules -- the first since their 2004 adoption, Pai said. "We'll have to address this growing risk in order to preserve our ability to promote more innovation and investment in space." President Donald Trump's space policy directive in June orders an update orbital debris mitigation practices (see 1806180028).

Pai said the agency will look at streamlining its DBS rules along the lines of the rules updates it did for satellite services in other bands. It also will consider a unified license for satellites and earth stations operating in a geostationary fixed satellite service network with the aim of "provid[ing] a new, streamlined license option ... and reduc[ing] unnecessary reporting burdens."

The slew of space items "shows the FCC recognizes the important role satellites play in many aspects of our lives," Satellite Industry Association President Tom Stroup emailed. There's also a timing issue since several applications for low earth orbit constellations were filed, which also helped push the need for action on orbital debris, he said.

U.S. devices accessing Europe's Galileo system "should make GPS more precise, reliable, and resilient -- a boon to consumers and businesses alike," Pai said. NTIA backed the European Commission request (see 1701090029).

The agency also will vote on a series of orders approving new non-geostationary orbit constellations from Kepler and LeoSat (see 1611160010) and expanded spectrum use by SpaceX and Telesat Canada.

Other Items

Industry officials said the hearing aid item likely builds on a letter CTIA, the Competitive Carriers Association, the Hearing Loss Association of America and the Telecommunications Industry Association filed last week. The letter, in docket 17-228, expressed a willingness to move beyond current Form 655 filing requirements.

“The landscape of HAC-rated wireless handsets has changed dramatically for consumers who use hearing aid devices since the Commission’s first HAC Order more than 15 years ago,” the groups said. “The Commission should be able to substitute service providers’ Form 655 requirements for obligations to certify compliance with the Commission’s HAC rules and enhance consumer information about HAC-compliant wireless handset offerings through their websites, so long as compliance with existing HAC requirements isn’t undermined.”

The proposal will “strengthen” FCC “website disclosure requirements for wireless service providers, ensuring consumers can find the information they need,” Pai said. “It also would eliminate unnecessary and outdated wireless hearing aid compatibility reporting requirements and replace them with a streamlined annual certification.”

“HLAA supports streamlining the regulations as long as consumers can get the information they need regarding hearing aid compatibility and as long as the FCC gets the information they need for enforcement purposes,” Executive Director Barbara Kelley told us. “We will review the FCC’s draft order with great interest,” said CCA President Steve Berry. CCA is working with other parties, seeking "a balanced approach to achieve this important goal," he said.

Commissioners will consider a report and order about allowing cable operators to do some subscriber notifications through email rather than paper mail, Pai said. Members adopted an electronic notifications NPRM in December (see 1712140054).